These interim results suggest that continued bracing until skeletal maturity gives long term durability to the correction. Further studies will be required to further refine this promising therapy.

BACKGROUND

Pectus Carinatum is a common congenital chest wall malformation. Until recently, the mainstay of treatment was surgical remodeling of the deformed chest wall.

Initial results suggest that non-operative bracing may be an effective therapy, but the optimal strategy for correction is not known.

Herein we report the results of a self-adjustable low profile bracing system worn continuously until the defect is corrected (correction phase), then worn at night (8 h/day) until completion of axial growth (maintenance phase) -the Calgary Protocol.

There was one recurrence, likely due to early discontinuation of maintenance. This responded to an additional 6 months of bracing. 42 patients failed therapy secondary to non-compliance or were lost in follow up, while 2 patients did not respond to bracing and required open operation.

CONCLUSIONS

If patients are compliant, a self- adjusting brace system can give rapid correction of the pectus carinatum protrusion with excellent patient satisfaction.

These interim results suggest that continued bracing until skeletal maturity gives long term durability to the correction. Further studies will be required to further refine this promising therapy.